Financial Analyst with Cerebral Palsy is Happiest Pinoy 2015

After an almost year-long search that gathered hundreds of thousands of entries
from all over the Philippines and abroad, a financial analyst with Cerebral Palsy
was hailed as the newest winner of Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy.
During the Filipiniana-themed awards night at the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand
Ballroom on September 10, 28-year old Richardson Navor from Caloocan, bested nine
other finalists and took home a cash prize worth P1 million and a trophy.

Navor is the third winner of the Search for the Happiest Pinoy which was first introduced
in 2009. Launched in October of last year, the third edition came with the introduction
of its own jingle, social media ambassadors and activations across the country.
The campaign also rolled out several promotional activities, coordinating with different
government sectors, school organizations and partners to encourage more Filipinos
to submit nominations.

Breaking its own record, over 280,000 nominations were received this year, the most
in the campaign’s three-year history.

“This is only the third edition of the search and it has already grown significantly,
collecting more entries, and, hopefully, inspiring even more individuals. Richardson
is a great addition to the search’s roster of model citizens. His story is one we
can all learn and draw inspiration from to live happier and more meaningful lives
no matter the challenges,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri
Lhuillier.

Navor joins the ranks of Winston Maxino and Rommel Arellano with his own inspiring
story. Despite being born with cerebral palsy, he has gone through life inspiring
and influencing people, and always looking at the positive side of circumstances.
His condition did not hinder him from getting a good education as he excelled in
his studies. Besides being elected as the Student Council President, he also graduated
magna cum laude and was given various leadership awards and recognitions including
Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines and Ten Outstanding Students
of the Philippines.

When Navor’s mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer, he became the main source
of strength of his family. He sought monetary assistance from the Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office and from different people. He even sacrificed some of his allowance
from his scholarship for his mother. Eventually, his mother was diagnosed cancer
free.

Navor did not pass the CPA licensure exam but he continued to persevere and live
life with positivity. He is now a financial analyst at IBM Philippines and continues
to receive service awards for his advocacies. Dedicated to helping the youth and
persons with disabilities, Navor formed an organization named People Uplifting the
Student and the Handicapped (PUSH) which gives free leadership trainings, personality
development seminars, and livelihood workshops to students and PWDs. PUSH also donated
wheelchairs and canes to Yolanda survivors.

Navor was chosen through a series of screenings including deliberations and panel
interviews. The final selection process was done through the collaborative efforts
of judges who have achieved notable success in their respective fields. Gathering
individuals of varying backgrounds, the board was composed of advertising guru Emily
Abrera, motivational speaker and author Francis Kong, Supreme Court Legal Consultant,
Atty. Ann Corominas, 2009 Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, Camarines Sur representative
Hon. Leni Robredo, TV news personality Luchi Cruz-Valdez, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance
Solutions General Manager Jonathan Batangan, and the search’s past two winners--Winston
Maxino and Rommel Arellano.

Besides Navor, two other individuals were recognized as two more awards were added
to this year’s search. Arnel Genzola, a professor based in China, was declared as
the Happiest OFW, while Cyprian Jade Basa, a student from Roxas City, was hailed
as the Happiest Student. Meanwhile, the grand winner’s nominator, Loriel Macalindol
Castillo, Navor’s friend, was also recognized and was given a cash prize.

The rest of the top ten finalists in this year’s search are Johnny Medrano, a watch
and cellphone technician from Batangas; Rustie Quintana, an artist from Cagayan
De Oro City; Rodolfo Mendoza, a PWD advocate from Nueva Ecija; Randy Halasan, a
teacher from Davao City; Eduardo Hernal, Jr., a retired military officer turned
pastor from Taguig City; Julia Marquez, a retired teacher from Batangas; Don De
Vera, an architect from Las Piñas City; Cyprian Jade Basa, a student from Roxas
City; and Naprey Almario, a non-government organization founder and businessman
from Davao City.

Launched six years ago, the Search for the Happiest Pinoy aims to rekindle the values
of optimism, resilience, and hope in Filipinos amidst difficulties. It highlights
stories of individuals who have a positive outlook in life, have the proven ability
to rise above life’s challenges, and have caused a positive impact in the lives
of others.